The Ritual (2025 film)

The Ritual is an upcoming American horror film directed by David Midell and written by Midell and Enrico Natale. Based on a true story, it follows priests Theophilus Riesinger (Al Pacino) and Joseph Steiger (Dan Stevens) as they attempt to put aside their differences to save an allegedly possessed young woman Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen) through a series of dangerous exorcisms. The film is set to be released by XYZ Films on June 6, 2025.

The Ritual
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	David Midell
Written by	David Midell
Story by	Enrico Natale David Midell
Produced by	Enrico Natale Ross Marks Andrew Stevens Mitchell Welch
Starring	Al Pacino Dan Stevens Ashley Greene Abigail Cowen María Camila Giraldo Meadow Williams Patrick Fabian Patricia Heaton
Cinematography	Adam Biddle
Edited by	Enrico Natale
Music by	Jason Lazarus Joseph Trapanese
Production companies	Cinemachine Shop Andrew Stevens Entertainment
Distributed by	XYZ Films
Release date	June 6, 2025 (2025-06-06)
Running time	98 minutes[1]
Country	United States
Language	English

Cast

• Al Pacino as Father Theophilus Riesinger
• Dan Stevens as Father Joseph Steiger
• Ashley Greene as Sister Rose
• Abigail Cowen as Emma Schmidt, a young woman who is allegedly experiencing demonic possession
• Patrick Fabian as Bishop Edwards
• Patricia Heaton as Mother Superior
• María Camila Giraldo as Sister Camila
• Meadow Williams as Sister Sarah
• Enrico Natale as Dr. Fabian
• Ritchie Montgomery as Chester

Production

In July 2023, Al Pacino and Ben Foster signed on to star in the film.^[2] In January 2024, shooting commenced in Natchez, Mississippi.^[3] It was reported three months later that Foster had left the production, with Dan Stevens replacing him.^[4] The film is inspired by the 1935 book, Begone Satan!.^[5]

Release

The Ritual is set to be released in the United States by XYZ Films on June 6, 2025.^[6] It was originally scheduled to release on April 18, 2025.^[4]